The RTP2 Data Center and Lab represent a significant step for DPR in the Research Triangle Park constructing Advanced Technology projects. The project consisted of constructing a new data center, IT lab and necessary support spaces within an existing 450,000-sq.-ft. tilt-wall warehouse originally built in 1995 for IBM as a manufacturing facility. The build-out took place in the center third of the building, or roughly 150,000 sq. ft. The current phase will consist of a Tier III 20,000-sq.-ft. data center paired with a 60,000-sq.-ft. lab. The 120-watt per sq. ft. data center and 120-watt per sq. ft. lab are supported by a 10 MW electrical service distributed through 10 substations. To keep this critical facility powered, three new 2 megawatt generators and two sets of three 675 kilowatt UPS modules will always ensure the RTP2 a lifeline.

Green Features

On the mechanical side of the project, the client has elected to adopt LEED construction practices by utilizing 75,000CFM custom air handling units (17 in total) and a custom packaged modular chiller plant, which delivers 3900 tons of cooling capacity in its current configuration. This overall cooling system for the data center and lab is supplemented by smaller air handling units and split system units, which cool communications, electrical and other critical support spaces. Each system has been designed with versatility for future expansion and increases in capacities.

Highlights of the sustainable features include: 34 percent in overall energy savings; ability to utilize “free cooling” 57 percent of the year; reduced potable water use of 78 percent; and reduced carbon footprint of nearly 100 million pounds of CO2.

BIM Features

Due to extensive preconstruction and construction efforts and the full coordination and use of building information modeling (BIM), this project finished within the aggressive 8.5 month schedule and 10 percent below the original budgeted value.